Upgrading your gaming setup with a curved monitor can significantly enhance your immersion, drawing you into the action and making your gaming experience more engaging. Whether you're a competitive esports player seeking an edge or a single-player enthusiast looking to dive deeper into your favorite storylines, the best curved gaming monitors of 2025 cater to all types of gamers. These monitors wrap into your peripheral vision, creating a more immersive experience that can truly elevate your gameplay.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Curved Gaming Monitors:
Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
0See it at AmazonSee it at NeweggSee it at Asus
### AOC C27G2Z
0See it at Amazon
### Dell Alienware AW3423DWF
0See it at Amazon
### Acer Predator X34 OLED
0See it at Amazon
### MSI MPG 491CQP
0See it at AmazonThe market for curved gaming monitors has expanded dramatically, with numerous brands offering a variety of options. However, not all curved monitors are created equal, and the best choice depends on your specific gaming needs. For fans of fast-paced shooters, a monitor with low input latency and a high refresh rate is essential. If you're after the most immersive experience, a monitor with a deeper curve could be the right fit. It's all about finding the perfect balance for your gaming style.
The Expert: Why Trust Us
With over a decade of experience as a gaming journalist, I've reviewed countless monitors for major gaming publications. My expertise allows me to pinpoint what makes a gaming monitor stand out, especially for different types of gamers. At IGN, our reviews are meticulously crafted through multiple perspectives to ensure you receive accurate and helpful information. We aim to connect you with the best products, saving you time and money while enhancing your gaming experience. After exploring this guide, don't miss our recommendations on the Best Graphics Cards, Best Gaming Keyboards, Best Gaming Mice, and Best Gaming Headsets to fully optimize your setup.
1. Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
Best Curved Gaming Monitor
Our top pick### Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM
0This 34-inch ultrawide monitor boasts top-tier HDR and a comprehensive suite of gaming features, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and productivity. With an 800R curve and an OLED panel, the Asus ROG Swift PG34WCDM delivers stunning colors and exceptional brightness, perfect for immersive gaming and content creation. Its 240Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, while features like built-in KVM and gaming modes enhance your overall experience. Although its deep curve may not be ideal for productivity tasks due to text distortion, it's a top pick for gamers seeking the best in curved monitors.
See it at AmazonSee it at NeweggSee it at AsusProduct SpecificationsScreen size34" 800RAspect ratio21:9 Resolution3,440 x 1,440Panel typeOLED, G-Sync compatibleHDR compatibilityDisplayHDR 400 True BlackBrightness1,300cd/m2Refresh rate240HzResponse time0.03ms (GtG)Inputs1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, USB Type-C (DP and PD), 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A PROSStunning HDR performanceDeep and immersive curveHigh peak brightness, infinite contrastBuilt-in KVM and meaningful gaming featuresCONSDeep curve isn't great for productivity2. AOC C27G2Z
Best Budget Curved Gaming Monitor
### AOC C27G2Z
0This budget-friendly option offers a compelling package for gamers looking to save money without sacrificing performance. The AOC C27G2Z features a 27-inch 1500R curved screen with a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms response time, making it a solid choice for competitive gaming. Its VA panel provides good color and contrast, and while its brightness is standard, it's more than adequate for gaming in most environments. The only downside is the HDMI limitation to 120Hz, but this can be easily overcome with a DisplayPort connection.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size27" 1500R Aspect ratio16:9Resolution1,920 x 1,080Panel typeVA FreeSyncBrightness300cd/m2 Refresh rate240HzResponse time0.5msInputs2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPortPROSGreat responsivenessHigh refresh rateGood colors and contrastCONSHDMI is limited to 120Hz
3. Dell Alienware AW3423DWF
Best Value Curved Gaming Monitor
### Alienware AW3423DWF
0The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF stands out as the best value in curved gaming monitors, offering a QD-OLED panel at a competitive price. With a 165Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms response time, it delivers excellent gaming performance. Its HDR capabilities and vibrant colors make it a top choice for gamers on a budget who don't want to compromise on quality. The only minor drawback is its lower SDR brightness, but this is easily mitigated in a controlled lighting environment.
See it at Best BuySee it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size34" 1800RAspect ratio21:9Resolution3,440 x 1,440Panel typeQD-OLED, FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync compatibleBrightness1,000 cd/m2 (peak)Refresh rate165HzResponse time0.5msInputs1 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort, 4 x USB 3.2 Type-APROSGreat valueFantastic picture thanks to QD-OLED panelHigh refresh rateCONSLow SDR brightnessHDMI 2.0 only
4. Acer Predator X34 OLED
Best Ultrawide G-Sync Gaming Monitor
### Acer Predator X34 OLED
0The Acer Predator X34 OLED is a powerhouse for ultrawide gaming, featuring a deep 800R curve and an OLED panel that delivers superior HDR brightness and color reproduction. With a 240Hz refresh rate and G-Sync support, this monitor offers smooth and responsive gameplay, ideal for both gaming and content creation. Its only minor cons include the deep curve's impact on productivity and the lack of an sRGB mode.
See it at AmazonSee it at B&H Product SpecificationsScreen size34Aspect ratio21:9Resolution3440x1440Panel typeOLEDHDRVESA DisplayHDR True Black 400Brightness1,300 cd/m2 (peak)Refresh rate240HzResponse time 0.03msInputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-CPROSSuperior HDR brightness240Hz refresh rateGreat color reproductionCONS800R curve works for content creation but isn't the best for productivityNo sRGB mode
5. MSI MPG 491CQPX
Best Curved 32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitor
### MSI MPG 491CQPX
0If you're looking for a super ultrawide experience, the MSI MPG 491CQPX is a stellar choice. Its 49-inch QD-OLED screen with a 32:9 aspect ratio provides an expansive field of view, perfect for both gaming and productivity. With a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time, it's ideal for competitive gaming. The monitor's connectivity options, including USB Type-C with PD charging, add to its versatility. However, it requires a powerful GPU to maximize its capabilities, and some users may find its burn-in prevention features overly aggressive.
See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size49", 1800RAspect ratio32:9Resolution5,120x1,440Panel typeQD-OLEDHDRVESA DisplayHDR True Black 400Brightness1,000 cd/m2 (peak)Refresh rate240HzResponse time 0.03msInputs2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB Type-C (DP/PD 98W), 2 x USB 2.0 Type-APROSBright and color richGreat for productivity as well as gamingFast, fast, fast!USB Type-C video and PD chargingCONSBurn-in prevention features can be gratingResolution is demandingHow to Choose a Curved Monitor
Choosing the right curved gaming monitor involves considering your specific needs. If you're solely focused on gaming, certain features will be more important than others. For productivity or creative work, different factors come into play.
Resolution: Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K offer sharper images but require more powerful hardware. Ultrawide monitors provide additional width, enhancing your field of view.
Size: Consider your available space and the gaming experience you're seeking. A 24-inch monitor is ideal for 1080p, while 27 inches suits 1440p. For 4K, a 32-inch screen is recommended. Larger sizes can result in a softer image and potential screen door effect.
Panel Type: IPS panels are known for their color accuracy and viewing angles, while VA panels offer better contrast. OLED monitors provide the best contrast and color, but watch out for burn-in risks.
Brightness: Aim for at least 350 nits for general use, with 1,000 nits for HDR gaming.
Refresh Rate: A minimum of 120Hz is recommended for gaming, with higher rates offering smoother gameplay and lower latency.
Curvature: The curvature is measured by an "R" number, with lower numbers indicating a deeper curve. While deep curves enhance immersion, they may distort text and images, making them less suitable for productivity.
Additional Features: Look for variable refresh rate support like FreeSync or G-Sync, built-in KVM switches, and other gaming-specific features to enhance your setup.
Upcoming Curved Gaming Monitors in 2025
The gaming monitor market in 2025 is seeing a continued focus on OLED technology, with many brands offering new models across various price points. Mini-LED monitors are also gaining traction as an alternative, addressing issues like brightness and burn-in. Another emerging trend is the integration of smart TV features into gaming monitors, offering built-in streaming and refined menus, which could be particularly appealing for gamers in smaller spaces or students.
Curved Monitor FAQs
Are curved monitors better for gaming?
Curved monitors can enhance immersion, particularly on larger screens. While they don't affect performance, they can make you feel more drawn into the game, depending on the curvature and size of the monitor.
What is 800R, 1500R, and 1800R?
These numbers represent the radius of the monitor's curvature. A lower number means a deeper curve, which can be more immersive but may cause slight distortion of text and images. Deeper curves are better suited for gaming rather than productivity.
Are curved monitors good for work?
Curved monitors with a gentle curve (1500R or 1800R) are generally good for most work tasks. However, very deep curves may distort text and are less ideal for productivity. Ultrawide curved monitors can be beneficial for video editors and creatives using timelines.
Where to Get the Best Curved Gaming Monitors in the UK
### AOC C27G2
1£214.97 at Amazon
### Asus TUF Gaming VG34VQEL1A
1£615.99 at Amazon
### Best Curved G-Sync Gaming Monitor LG UltraGear 34GP950G-B
0£1,199.95 at Overclockers
### Best Curved FreeSync Gaming Monitor MSI Optix MAG342CQRV
0£509.00 at Amazon
### Best G-Sync Compatible Curved Gaming Monitor Asus TUF Gaming VG35VQ
2Best G-Sync Compatible Curved Gaming Monitor£712.15 at Argos
### Best Ultra-Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor Samsung Odyssey G9
0Best Ultra-Ultrawide Curved Gaming Monitor£1,199.00 at Amazon
### Best Curved Gaming Monitor for Esports MSI Optix MAG301CR2
1£369.95 at Amazon
### Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
0£1,749.00 at Samsung
